The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Dr Jean Benjamin today made a further appeal to the social sector to work together and coordinate efforts in assisting the Tsunami disaster victims by focusing on prioritising services such as psycho-social support to women and children.
She made this appeal in Pretoria at an emergency summit meeting of the social development sector that met to enhance coordinating efforts to assist the victims of the Tsunami disaster since its aftermath on 26 December 2004 that affected countries in Asia and Africa.
"The Tsunami disaster has devastated families, communities and infrastructure worth billions of Rands. Scores of children are now orphans. Thousands of women are now widows. Tears continue to roll down many of the innocent faces from both Asia and Africa. The victims, including the 11 South Africans reported dead, the five missing and their families, especially women and children are crying for sustained forms of support including psycho-social support, counselling and other welfare services so that they can regain their lives" Dr Benjamin said.
She praised the spirit of cooperation shared by all South Africans from all walks of life to assist the victims of the disaster. She called for coordinated efforts at all levels for the urgent development of Early Warning Systems within the ambit of the United Nations System so as to ensure the prevention of such disasters in the future.
Ms Nadia Hassan from Standard Bank said Standard Bank is committed to working closely with government and other role players in the country to provide assistance to the victims of the disaster. She said they are encouraging their employees to make financial contributions which will be matched by Standard Bank.
"We are also sponsoring cricket matches to raise funds to provide for medium to long term assistance to rebuild the infrastructure destroyed by the Tsunami" she said
Mr Tango Lamani from the SABC said R8-million has already been pledged through initiative launched by Morning Life. He said the SABC remains committed to use both radio and television to strengthen this spirit of solidarity.
Ms Mandisa Kalako-Williams from the South African Red Cross urged for more focus on the needs of women and children especially providing necessities such as sanitary repairs and nappies for children.
"Volunteers will be critical in ensuring that the people both in Asia and Africa are assisted to rebuild their lives" she said.
Participants at the emergency meeting noted the need to ensure that African countries such as Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelles and Mauritius be given national, regional as well as global attention in term of solidarity and support.
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